We went up the west side of the loop about 1.5 miles. IMO the trail was 4/10 difficulty wise. The inclines were moderate and most of the tail is a mix of 1-3" gravel rock and dirt. Some gravel was loose and I had a couple foot slips in hiking boots. Hiking in tennis shoes is possible but I wouldn't as you'll likely feel the sharp rocks beneath your feet. The trail wound through the timber but provided some peek-a-boo views of Pinetop-Lakeside. At about 1.5 miles in the trail crossed an old lumber/ATV road. That road back to the trailhead was very easy and wound through cattle grazing land. If I had more time I would have tried to complete the entire loop. I would hike this trail again.